Jay Jones

Summary

Share your talents, background and expertise.Hi, my name is Jay Jones, better known to some as Chef Jay.
Imagine you were sleeping and wake to the wonderful aromas of all your favorite dishes. You wander downstairs and your house is filled with family and friends, all gathered to enjoy life and great food.
For me, food is made to not only nourish the body but also to evoke thoughts in the mind -- thoughts that come from the flavors, the preparation, the smell, the look and even the textures in our mouths.
Food is an all-encompassing tool that, if used properly, can create lasting memories. The right combinations of ingredients can trigger a feeling that says, "Yes, this just like I used to get when I was... (Fill in your good food memory here)."
I have been in the hospitality industry for over 17 years. I started off being a DJ and wanting to find a way to get more people in the door and have them stay longer at events. It evolved into catering parties and social gathering for friends and family; not for money just for the love of food and plus they did not mind being my guinea pigs while I attempted to perfect my craft. Then from there to weddings, large scale private events and anywhere people requested me to provide culinary services and great food.
I graduated from the prestigious French Culinary Institute in New York City; that was an INCREDIBLE experience for me; all the while growing up I would watch Jacques Pepin on PBS and now he was teaching me how to make the perfect French omelet in class. Jacques Torres, Nils Noren, and Ron Ben Israel to name a few were always there to help and teach me what needed to be done to get to the next level.
I have appeared on the Food Network on the hit show Chopped. I host a weekly online video show called Culinary Creations with Chef Jay exploring food, beverages and all things culinary in an easy and informative way. I have made monthly appearances on local TV (Fox News, Charlotte Today and Morning Edition) news shows doing food demos. I have articles that have recently appeared in The Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Black Image Magazine.
In addition I enjoy giving back to the community and volunteer my time with several organizations such as the Candellighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, The Salvation Army of North Las Vegas, The Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, The Salvation Army Women’s Shelter, Hope Haven, Share our Strength and Amped for a Cure just to name a few.
I have just completed my first cookbook entitled Chef Jay’s Collection of Awesome Appetizers Volume One. This is the first in a series of five books ranging from appetizers to desserts. Awesome Appetizers will be released in the spring of 2015 and the other volumes to follow thereafter.
I also visit schools, camps and other venues speaking to the youth about the many opportunities in the culinary industry and what you need to take advantage of them.
My goal is to reach as many people as I can and discuss the culinary arts and the exciting things that you can accomplish with them.
When you have questions about food; I want to be the first name you think of for the answer.
For more information on Chef Jay Jones please visit: www.facebook.com/ChefJayJones